www.pdratings.com Craig Andrew Lange California Workers Compensation Luis Pérez-Cordero [email protected] AMA Impairment & Disability Rating Specialists [email protected] Voice: (415) 861-4040
Occupational Groups Characteristics: Significance of 3 Digits Numbers
In Section III of the California Schedule for Rating Permanent Disabilities (05PDRS), pg. 3-1, “Occupations & Group Numbers” you will find an alphabetical listing of occupations and their related three-digit group numbers with a corresponding industrial designation to distinguish it from other occupations having the same title but whose functions and activities differ.
The Schedule divides the labor market into 45 numbered occupational groups. Each group is assigned a three-digit code called an occupational group number. The first digit of the code refers to the arduousness of the duties, ranking jobs from 1 to 5 in ascending order of physical arduousness. The second digit separates occupations into broad categories sharing common characteristics. The third digit differentiates between occupations within these groups.” 05PDRS, page 1-8
1st Digit - Arduousness Level 2nd Digit – Occupational Categories
1. Very Light 1. Professional, Technical, Clerical 2. Light 2. Hand Intensive 3. Medium 3. Machine Operations 4. Heavy 4. Attendants/Cleaners 5. Very Heavy 5. Driving 6. Laborers, Material Handler 7. Mechanics, Installers, Repairers, Servicers 8. Construction 9. Miscellaneous
3rd Digit – Essential Functions Variations within a Category Example: Very light, professional, technical, clerical combination occupations: in groups 110, 111 and 112 have different keyboarding requirements.
The correct group classification helps us determine the appropriate modifications for the AMA whole person Impairment standard have been adjusted for future earning capacity by the FEC Adjustment Tables on pages 2-6 and 2-7. The occupational group modification is done to reflect the impact of the particular physical demands of any given occupation for the regional or body impairment being rated.
If the occupation requires more than average use of the injured part, the rating is modified upward; if the part is relatively less important, the rating is decreased. In order to make this adjustment, the appropriate occupational group must be determined.”
The group number is based, not upon a "title", but rather, upon the duties and functions performed within a given group classification. The group classification for a general type of occupation considers characteristics dealing with the level of arduousness, standing/sitting requirements, demands addressing functions of the upper and lower extremities, the spine, vision, hearing, etc. It general it considers the demands of the essential functions of the jobs.
It is the ‘essential functions’ and activities of an occupation within a given industry that take precedent over the occupational title.
A Job Analysis, Job Description or Essential Job Functions Analysis is crucial in helping identify the essential functions of the job and other work related functional factors helpful in the proper determination of the occupational group number.
The Dictionary of Occupational Titles (DOT), compiled by the US Department of Labor, was used extensively in the preparation of the Schedule and will frequently be of assistance in determining the functions of various occupations.” 97PDRS, pg 1-14. Web link: http://www.occupationalinfo.org/' www.pdratings.com Craig Andrew Lange California Workers Compensation Luis Pérez-Cordero [email protected] AMA Impairment & Disability Rating Specialists [email protected] Voice: (415) 861-4040 The Mechanics of Rating: Determining the Occupational Group Number 05PDRS, pg. 1-8: To identify the appropriate occupational group number, look up the occupation in the list contained in Section 3A of the Schedule. Each job title is listed along with its corresponding group number. The appropriate occupation can generally be found listed under a scheduled or alternative job title. If the occupation cannot be found, an appropriate occupational group is determined by analogy to a listed occupation(s) based on a comparison of duties. (The table Occupational Group Characteristics in Section 3C of the Schedule provides a description of each occupational group to facilitate the determination of a group number.)" The group number is based upon the duties and functions performed within a given group classification. It is not based upon a 'title'. The group classification for a general type of occupation considers characteristics dealing with the level of arduousness, standing/sitting requirements, demands addressing functions of the upper and lower extremities, the spine, vision, hearing, etc. When an occupation does not appear to be listed: a. Look for a more commonly known title b. Determine the basic functions and activities of that occupation c. Relate it to a comparable scheduled occupation. Occupational Group Chart - 05PDRS, pg. 3-27 st 2nd Digit – 1 Digit - Arduousness Level Occupational 5 = Very 1 = Very Light 2 =Light 3 = Medium 4 = Heavy Categories Heavy 110-111-112 210-211-212- 310-311 Professional, Case Worker 213-214 Phys Therapist Technical, 1 Auditor General. Clerks: Chiropractor Clerical Editor Adm./Bank Psyche Technician. 120 220-221 320-321-322 420 Drafter Dentist Die Maker Butcher Cartoonist Microelectronic 2 Hand Intensive Meter Repair Saddle Maker Semiconductor Tech. Precision Assembly Hide Puller -Assembly Surgeon 330-331-332 230 Bend. Mach 430 Machine Coil Winder Operator. Boiler maker Cutter, Machine 3 Operators, Cut-Off Saw Metal Fabric. Palletizer Tenders Operator. Welder-Arc Operator. Laminating Mach. 240 340-341 Child Monitor Cleaners, Auto Washer Restroom 4 JANITOR Attendants Attendant Nurses’ Aide Ticket Taker 250-251 350-351 Coin Machine - Truck Driver
5 Drivers Collector Tractor/Trailer Bus Driver Dump Truck 560 360 Laborers, 460 Ambulance Warehouse Wk. Baker’s Aide Material Attendant 6 Crate Maker Material Stacker Furniture Mover Handlers Material Expediter. Ramp Attendant Miner 470 Mechanics, 370 Mech. Diesel Installers, Mech. Tractor Heavy Furniture. 7 Precision Assembler Repairers, Assembler Welder, Gas Services TV Technician 380 480-481-482 Construction Handy Person Bricklayer
8 Workers Electrician Carpenter/Rough Carpenter, Const. Millwright 290 390 490-491-492 590 Beautician Security Officer Farm Laborer Athlete
9 Miscellaneous Barber Counselor, Camp Gardener Jockey Cosmetologist Aerobics Inst. Log Sorter Dancer www.pdratings.com Craig Andrew Lange California Workers Compensation Luis Pérez-Cordero [email protected] AMA Impairment & Disability Rating Specialists [email protected] Voice: (415) 861-4040
The Mechanics of Rating: Determining The Occupational Variant Tables For Injury dates 01/01/2005 to 2017
05PDRS, pg. 19: Section 4 of the Permanent Disability Rating Schedule (PDRS) contains tables that cross reference impairment numbers and occupational group numbers to produce an "occupational variant," which is expressed as a letter. These tables are designed so that variant "F" represents average demands on the injured body part for the particular impairment being rated, with letters "E", "D" and "C" representing progressively lesser demands, and letters "G" through "J" reflecting progressively higher demands.
Consideration is given to the degree of seriousness of the effects of an objective impairment standard on the occupational group classification under consideration. Occupations are assigned a modifying letter, which reflects the level of seriousness of a particular injury upon that occupation.
The effects of an injury on any given occupation are not necessarily "standardized" as usually reflected by a Flat Rate Schedules, which ca be used as the initiating component of a disability stream.
A “Flat Rate Schedule” takes into consideration both the physical and functional impairment factors of an injury, depending on the organ or body systems being rated.
Different occupations are affected differently by the residual disability or handicap resulting from an industrial injury
“The theory is that for any particular disabling condition, in determining the percentages of permanent disability, account shall be taken of the nature of the physical injury or disfigurement, the occupation of the injured employee, and his or her age at the time of the injury, consideration being given to an employee's diminished future earning capacity.” - 05PDRS Authority LC Section § 4660(a)
There Are Eight Alphabetical Modifiers Ranging From The Letter "C" to the letter "J
“C” through “E” Modifies the standard percentage of disability downward. “F” Defines the midpoint of the alphabetical modifiers. “G” through “J” Modifies the standard percentage of disability upwards.
“These tables are designated so that variant ‘F’ represents average demands for the particular disability being rated, with letters ‘C’ to ‘E’ representing progressively lesser demands, and letters ‘G’ through ‘J’ reflecting progressively higher demands.”
www.pdratings.com Craig Andrew Lange California Workers Compensation Luis Pérez-Cordero [email protected] AMA Impairment & Disability Rating Specialists [email protected] Voice: (415) 861-4040 Occupational Group Characteristics - 05PDRS, pages 3-29 to 3-37 Occupational Group Characteristics Disability & Weighted Occupational Variant Group 110 Spine C Professional Occupations Shoulder C Some use of keyboards but less than 112 or 112; Elbow D greater standing and walking demands than 112 and Wrist D Finger motion F 120. Grip D Leg D Typical occupations: Lawyer, Loan Officer, Urban Psych J Planner Occupational Group Characteristics Disability & Weighted Occupational Variant Group 111 Spine C Professional & Clerical Occupations Shoulder D Substantial use of keyboards; greater demands for Elbow F standing and walking than 112 and 120. Wrist G Finger motion G Typical occupations: Accountant, Claims Clerk, Grip E Reservations Agent Leg D Psych I Group 112 Spine D Mostly Clerical Occupations Shoulder D Highest demand for use of keyboard; prolonged sitting. Elbow G Wrist H Typical occupations: Billing Clerk, Computer Keyboard Finger motion I Operator, Secretary Grip E Leg C Psych I Group 120 Spine D Most Technical Occupations Shoulder E Precision work requiring skill and dexterity; use of hand Elbow G tools; more sitting than 110 and 111. Wrist H Finger motion H Typical occupations: Electrical drafter, Illustrator, Grip F Jeweler Leg C Psych I Group 210 Spine D Mostly Professional Occupations Shoulder C Extensive speech and hearing; standing and sitting; Elbow D may require driving to business locations; other physical Wrist D demands at the lower end of the light category. Finger motion E Typical occupations: Actor, Announcer. Clergy member Grip C Leg E Psych I Group 211 Spine D Mostly Clerical Occupations Shoulder D Emphasis on frequent fingering, handling, and possibly Elbow F some keyboard work; spine and leg demands similar to Wrist G 210. Finger motion G Typical occupations: Bank clerk, Inventory clerk, Grip E License clerk Leg E Psych H www.pdratings.com Craig Andrew Lange California Workers Compensation Luis Pérez-Cordero [email protected] AMA Impairment & Disability Rating Specialists [email protected] Voice: (415) 861-4040 Occupational Group Characteristics - 05PDRS, pages 3-29 to 3-37 Occupational Group Characteristics Disability & Weighted Occupational Variant Group 212 Spine E Mostly Professional and Medical Occupations Shoulder E Work predominantly performed indoors, but may require Elbow E driving to locations of business; less use of hands than Wrist F 211; slightly higher demands on spine than 210 & 211. Finger motion F Typical occupations: Chemist, Dialysis Technician, Grip E Secondary School Teacher Leg E Psych J Group 213 Spine F Mostly Professional Occupations Shoulder E Work performed indoors and outdoors; occasional Elbow E climbing and uneven ground required, therefore spine Wrist E and legs have slightly higher variants for this strength Finger motion F level. Grip E Typical occupations: Airplane Inspector, Meter Reader, Leg F Property Manager Psych I Group 214 Spine F Clerical (physically active) Occupations; Shoulder F Educators, & Retail Sales Occupations Elbow F Very high demand for speech, hearing and vision; Wrist G High demand for fingering and handling; spine and Finger motion G Leg demands at highest level for 200 series. Grip F Typical occupations: Auto Shop Estimator, Elementary Leg F School Teacher, Retail Sales Clerk Psych I Group 220 Spine E Fine precision Occupations in medical, electronic Shoulder F and optical industries Elbow G Very high demands for vision; high demands for hand Wrist H activity – use of hand tools; highest variants in this Finger motion H strength category for fingering and arm Disabilities. Grip F Typical occupations: Dental Hygienist, Instrument Leg E Maker & Repairer, Surgeon Psych J Occupational Group Characteristics Disability & Weighted Occupational Variant Group 221 Spine E Light Assembly Occupations, Food Preparation Shoulder F Occupations Elbow G Vision important; repetitive fingering and use of hand Wrist G tools; similar to 220 for all parts of body except for wrist Finger motion G and finger motion which is one variant lower. Grip F Typical occupations: Assembler, small products Leg E Inspector, electronics Produce Sorter Psych F Group 230 Spine E Machine Operator and Tenders Shoulder F Average demands for this strength level on spine and Elbow F legs; hand activities are most significant. Wrist F Typical occupations: Bottle Packer, Circular Saw Finger motion G Operator’ Offset Press Operator Grip G Leg E Psych F www.pdratings.com Craig Andrew Lange California Workers Compensation Luis Pérez-Cordero [email protected] AMA Impairment & Disability Rating Specialists [email protected] Voice: (415) 861-4040 Occupational Group Characteristics - 05PDRS, pages 3-29 to 3-37 Group 240 Spine E Mostly Attendants (providing services) Shoulder D Minimal hand activities; low on arm activities; Elbow E average for 200 series on spine and legs. Wrist E Finger motion E Typical occupations: Host/Hostess, Parking Lot Grip D Attendant, booth, Weight Reduction Specialist Leg E Psych G Group 250 Public Transportation Drivers & Light Delivery Spine F Drivers Shoulder F Operates light automotive equipment over public Elbow G thoroughfares; vision, hearing and other head Wrist F disabilities important; highest variants for spine and Finger motion F leg activities in 200 series (along with 213 & 214); Grip F grip demands similar to 251. Leg F
Psych H Typical occupations: Parking Enforcement Officer, Subway Car Operator, Taxi Driver Occupational Group Characteristics Disability & Weighted Occupational Variant Group 251 Outside Sales, Inspectors, & Business Agents (performing extensive driving to reach business Spine E locations) Shoulder D Work requires extensive driving of light automotive Elbow F equipment over public thoroughfares to reach Wrist E business locations; vision, hearing and other head Finger motionF disabilities important; average demand for spine Grip F and leg activities for this strength level; arms are Leg E one variant lower that 250. Psych I
Typical occupations: Food & Drug Inspector, Real Estate Agent. Sales, Rep. sporting goods Group 290 Spine E Personal Attendants Shoulder G Vision important; cosmetic appearance important; Elbow G arms variants at high end for 200 series. Wrist H Finger motion G Typical occupations: Hair Stylist, Cosmetologist, Grip F Barber Leg E Psych H Group 310 Spine F Medical Occupations Shoulder F Low end of 300 series for most parts of body; head Elbow F disabilities, including speech, hearing, PTHS are Wrist F highest in 300 series. Finger motion F Grip F Typical occupations: Acupressurist, MRI Leg F Technologist, X-ray Technologist Psych I
www.pdratings.com Craig Andrew Lange California Workers Compensation Luis Pérez-Cordero [email protected] AMA Impairment & Disability Rating Specialists [email protected] Voice: (415) 861-4040 Group 311 Spine G Mostly Medical Occupations Shoulder F Medical treatments performed result in higher Elbow G spine demands; head disabilities are at the highest Wrist G levels. Finger motion G Grip F Typical occupations: Masseur/Masseuse Nurse – Leg F LVN, Psychiatric Technician Psych J Occupational Group Characteristics Disability & Weighted Occupational Variant Group 320 Spine F Assemblers Shoulder F Precision work requiring use of hand tools; highest Elbow H arm variants for the 320 series; lower end variants Wrist I for 300 series for spine & leg (same as 321 & 322); Finger motion H highest head variants in 320 series. Grip H
Leg F Typical occupations: Machinist, Office Machine Psych H Servicer, Television & Radio Repairer Group 321 Spine F Assemblers Shoulder F Use of hand tools required; precision requirements Elbow G less than 320 – arm variants slightly lower; same Wrist H demand on spine and legs as 320 & 322. Finger motion G Grip G Typical occupations: Furniture Assembler, Leg F Garment Cutter, machine Painter, spray gun Psych F Group 322 Spine F Food Preparation and Service Occupations Shoulder F Least precise work in 320 series – arm variants the Elbow G lowest; spine & legs same as 320 & 321 Wrist G Finger motion G Typical occupations: Airline Flight Attendant, Grip G Cook, Waiter/Waitress Leg F Psych G Group 330 Spine F Press Operators, Sawyers, etc. Shoulder F Most demanding on arms of machine operations Elbow G series (330s); spine and legs at lower end for 300 Wrist F series, & same as 331 & 322. Finger motion G Grip G Typical occupations: Blister Machine Operator, Leg F Power Press Tender, Tubular Furniture Maker Psych F Group 331 Spine F Machine Tending & Processing Shoulder F Observation and control of machinery; occasional Elbow F stooping required; mechanical adjustments Wrist F performed; variants similar to 332. Finger motion F Grip F Typical occupations: Coating Machine Op, Mixing Leg F Machine Op, food prep; Washer, machine Psych F
www.pdratings.com Craig Andrew Lange California Workers Compensation Luis Pérez-Cordero [email protected] AMA Impairment & Disability Rating Specialists [email protected] Voice: (415) 861-4040 Occupational Group Characteristics Disability & Weighted Occupational Variant Group 332 Spine F Observation of Large Stationary Equipment Shoulder F Work performed in a plant or other large facility, Elbow F some mechanical adjustments of machinery Wrist E performed lowest variants for 300 series for most Finger motion F parts of body. Grip F Typical occupations: Brewery Cellar Worker, Leg F Power Reactor Operator, Stationary Engineer Psych G Group 340 Spine G Mostly Cleaners Shoulder F Work involves cleaning equipment and/or Elbow G buildings; operation of cleaning devices, some Wrist F lifting, some climbing, lowest variants for head Finger motion F disabilities of 300 series; lower end of 300 series Grip F for arms; highest demands are for spine & leg Leg G activities Psych D Typical occupations: Auto Washer & Polisher, Janitor, Nurse Aide Group 341 Spine G Cleaners (working at high levels) Shoulder G Work generally performed at high levels – higher Elbow G end of 300 series for spine & legs; average Wrist F demands on arms. Finger motion F Typical occupations: Aircraft Service Attendant, Grip F Sign Poster, Window Cleaner Leg G Psych D Group 350 Spine G Truck Drivers Shoulder F Operate heavy vehicle over public thoroughfares; Elbow H may do some loading of materials, may tie down Wrist F loads, may hook up hoses, etc., and performs Finger motion G related duties; head disabilities highest in 300 Grip G series. Leg G Typical occupations: Armored Car Driver, Lunch Psych H Truck Driver, Truck Driver Group 351 Spine G Heavy Equipment Operators Shoulder G Operates heavy construction equipment at work Elbow H sites; arm demands at lower end of 300 series; Wrist G spine & leg demands at higher end of 300 series. Finger motion G Grip G Typical occupations: Crane Operator, Forklift Leg G Operator, Snowplow Operator Psych G Group 360 Spine G Porters, Packers Shoulder G Significant lifting and carrying required; significant Elbow G walking required; may occasionally climb at low Wrist F levels; variants are “G” for most parts of body; Finger motion F head disabilities are mostly “F” or lower. Grip G Typical occupations: Clerk, Shipping; Conveyor Leg G Tender; Warehouse worker Psych E www.pdratings.com Craig Andrew Lange California Workers Compensation Luis Pérez-Cordero [email protected] AMA Impairment & Disability Rating Specialists [email protected] Voice: (415) 861-4040 Occupational Group Characteristics Disability & Weighted Occupational Variant Group 370 Spine G Mechanical Assembly, Installation, Repairers Shoulder G Mechanical work on automobiles, machinery and Elbow I other equipment, requiring a combination of some Wrist J skill and significant physical effort; highest variants Finger motion H in 300 series for arm and head disabilities Grip H Typical occupations: Automobile Accessories Leg G Installer; Mechanic, automobile; Welder, Combo Psych H Group 380 Spine H Skilled Construction Work Shoulder H Work requires construction of buildings or large Elbow I structure; strenuous demands on arms, legs & Wrist J spine result in highest variants in 300 series; Finger motion H significant climbing required. Grip H Typical occupations: Burglar Alarm, Carpenter Leg I Electrician Psych H Occupational Group Characteristics Disability & Weighted Occupational Variant Group 390 Security Officers, Coaches Spine G Inside and outside work requiring significant Shoulder G walking, some uneven ground, and climbing –leg Elbow G demands are most significant aspect of duties; Wrist G work may be high risk but not necessarily highly Finger motion G physical; demands for arms & spine are at middle Grip G of 300 series. Leg H Typical occupations: Bodyguard, Instructor, Psych H Physical education, Security Officer Group 420 Spine H Meat Processing + Shoulder G Heavy demands placed on arms; spine demand Elbow H similar to most in 400 series; leg demands lowest Wrist I in 400 series. Finger motion G Typical occupations: Baker, Butcher, Glass Cutter Grip H Leg G Psych F Group 430 Spine H Machine-assisted Metal Shaping Shoulder H Heavy demands on spine & legs in lifting & Elbow I carrying; work performed at ground level; requires Wrist H use of heavy hand tools or force with arms. Finger motion H Typical occupations: Boilermaker, Power Brake Grip H Operator, Shear Operator Leg H Psych G Group 460 Spine H Material Handlers & Machine Loaders & Unloaders Shoulder G Strenuous demands on spine & legs for lifting and Elbow G carrying heavy objects; lowest demand for Wrist G specialized arm activities in 400 series. Finger motion F Typical occupations: Baggage Handler, Chain Off Grip G bearer, Laborer, general Leg H Psych E www.pdratings.com Craig Andrew Lange California Workers Compensation Luis Pérez-Cordero [email protected] AMA Impairment & Disability Rating Specialists [email protected] Voice: (415) 861-4040 Occupational Group Characteristics Disability & Weighted Occupational Variant Group 470 Spine H Installers & Repairers Shoulder H Strenuous demands on all parts of body – variants Elbow I are at the higher end of the 400 series. Wrist J Finger motion H Typical occupations: Household Appliance Grip H Installer, Maintenance Mechanic, Television Leg H Technician Psych H Group 480 Construction Helpers, Oil Field Workers & Some Spine I Skilled Construction Workers Shoulder H Heavy laboring work at construction sites or other Elbow H work sites; very strenuous use of spine for lifting Wrist G and exerting force; heavy demands on arms Finger motion G (similar to 492); leg requirements lower than for Grip G 481 & 492. Leg H Psych E Typical occupations: Carpenter Helper; Laborer, construction; Roughneck Group 481 Spine I Skilled Construction Workers Shoulder H Work requires construction of buildings or large Elbow I structures; skilled work performed at various levels, Wrist J with significant demands for climbing, but lower Finger motion H demands on legs than 482; strenuous use of arms Grip H (same as 470). Leg I
Psych H Typical occupations: Cable Television Installer, Millwright, Pipe Fitter Group 482 Spine J Skilled Construction Workers Shoulder I Construction and maintenance work performed at Elbow J high and dangerous levels – balance required; Wrist J demands on spine & legs similar to 590; very Finger motion I strenuous use of arms. Grip J
Leg J Typical occupations: Bridge Maintenance Worker, Psych I Grip (movie industry), Tree Trimmer Occupational Group Characteristics Disability & Weighted Occupational Variant Group 490 Spine I Mostly Sworn Officers – Police & Fire Shoulder I (legal presumptions applies) Elbow I Workers called upon to perform demanding Wrist H activities in unpredictable and dangerous Finger motion H circumstances; significant demands on all parts of Grip I body. Leg I Psych J Typical occupations: Fire Fighter, Paramedic. Police Officer www.pdratings.com Craig Andrew Lange California Workers Compensation Luis Pérez-Cordero [email protected] AMA Impairment & Disability Rating Specialists [email protected] Voice: (415) 861-4040 Group 491 Spine H Agricultural & Livestock Workers Shoulder G Work requires tending the land and/or caring for Elbow G animals; physical demands & variants similar to Wrist G 460 but slightly lower in mental demands. Finger motion F Grip G Typical occupations: Dog Catcher; Farmer, Leg H General; Gardener Psych D Group 492 Spine I Logging & Fishing Occupations Shoulder H Very physical work performed outside; high Elbow H demand on spine & legs for balancing, working on Wrist H rugged terrain, and climbing; arm and other Finger motion G variants similar to 560. Grip H Leg I Typical occupations: Bucker, Logger, all-round Psych E Group 560 Spine J Mostly Material Handlers Shoulder H Requires lifting of large and/or very heavy objects Elbow H or exerting very significant force – very strenuous Wrist H demands placed on spine & legs. Finger motion G Grip H Typical occupations: Ambulance Attendant; Leg I Furniture Mover; Garbage Collector, manual Psych D Group 590 Spine J Mostly Professional Athletes Shoulder J Peak athletic performance requiring whole body Elbow J strength with specialized training and skills; highest Wrist J variants for all parts of the body. Finger motion I Grip J Typical occupations: Athlete, professional; Stunt Leg J Performer Psych I
Craig Andrew Lange & Luis Pérez-Cordero - Sunday, August 16, 2020 Certified, AMA Guides Impairment & California Disability Rating Specialists American College of Disability Medicine & Board of Independent Medical Examiners